Europe heatwave 2019: Bordeaux hits highest ever temperatures as second summer heatwave sweeps continent

People cool off at the Trocadero Fountains next to the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
AFP/Getty Images
Bonnie Christian24 July 2019

Western Europe is preparing for its second heatwave this summer with one city already setting new high temperature records.

The French city of Bordeaux registered 41.2C on Tuesday, breaking a 2003 record of 40.7C.

Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands are also preparing for record-breaking temperatures this week.

The latest heatwave comes from a mass of hot air flowing up from the Iberian Peninsula.

Paris authorities on Monday activated a “level three” heatwave alert plan that includes measures to ensure elderly and vulnerable people are checked up on regularly and rooms are set aside for shelter.

Temperatures in Paris are expected to hit new highs on Thursday, according to Meteo France. The record stands at 40.4C, set in 1947.

Children cool off at the Water Mirror on the Place de la Bourse as summer temperatures reach 42 degrees Celsius in the southwestern French city of Bordeaux.
AFP/Getty Images

More than 20 other local regions, mainly in the south of the country, have also been placed on heatwave alert.

Many of the previous records were set in the 2003 heatwave, which resulted in the deaths of more than 15,000 people across France.

Elsewhere in Europe, governments are preparing for days of soaring temperatures.

In an unprecedented move, Belgium has issued a code red weather warning for the whole country.

People plunge into the water of the newly opened Bekkelagsbadet in Oslo as a new heatwave hits Europe.
AFP/Getty Images

Spain has declared a red alert in its Zaragoza region, which was hit by wildfires in June. The European Commission's Copernicus Climate Change Service says the risk of wildfires is high in Spain and in Portugal.

The government in the Netherlands has activated its “national heat plan”.

In the UK, the hottest ever July day is forecast for Thursday as a three-day heatwave sweeps the country.

UK Heatwave: July 2019 - In pictures

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Experts say extreme weather events such as heatwaves will happen more often because of climate change.

The World Meteorological Organisation said Earth experienced its warmest June on record.

“Some people have chosen not to come here today, some have chosen not to listen to us,” Ms Thunberg said.

“You don’t have to listen to us. But you do have to listen to the science.”

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